BE Sure to claim your google places listing for your business

If you have a business, you should be sure that you have a listing in google places. Business owners can create update their listings for free.

This is a no brainer for storefronts and other brick and mortar businesses. Home based businesses need to exercise some caution. My company, CGM Systems, Inc is a home based business. I created a google places listing but listed “No Walk Ins, By Appointment only”. Our township has an ordinance that prohibits me from having customers visit my home business . I do not want them visiting anyway. (Note that the people who buy houses and make them rehab houses for addicts are allowed to use a house to run a multi million dollar business. However, I can’t have a client stop by to drop off or pick up a computer.. go figure).

Think about which google account you will use. You should only have one google account.

Consider the implications before posting a home based business. Implications include: privacy, safety, local business and home codes, competitors etc. (ie. It might not be wise to list a home based firearms or pharmaceutics business due to the possibility of attracting thieves. )

Consider adding photos of videos if they apply to your business

LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE – it is simply amazing how many google places listings fail to have a link back to their website.

This is becoming more important as an ever increasing number of people are using google on their desktops and phones for their searches.